This summer was so different at camp than my previous summers. Not only because of the masks, modified activities and drive-thru drop-off, but because I experienced my first major leadership role at camp.
At Camp Airy in Western Maryland, rising sophomores are Senior Trainees, joining the counselor trainee division. As an ST, we participate in leadership training sessions, spend time with younger bunks and take on different responsibilities.
One of my favorite leadership opportunities was CIT (Counselor-In-Training) Day when the CITs planned and organized activities all around camp. We STs led younger campers from activity to activity and cheered them on.
This experience taught me the importance of autonomy, responsibility and accountability. It felt good to be trusted to lead and care for these kids.
A personal highlight was on my last day of camp, during a big thunderstorm. Our bunk was instructed to stay inside; however, my friends and I snuck outside to throw paper airplanes and play catch as the rain was pouring down. We also secretly found our way into the dining hall and made ourselves PB&J sandwiches.
Spontaneous moments like these created lasting camp memories with my ST brothers.
Despite some COVID-related hiccups, this Airy summer was just as meaningful — or even more so — as those before it. Forging new friendships while gaining leadership skills made this a summer to remember.
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